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Sunday, September 11, 2011

Synonyms are so important when writing. It can get annoying to read the same word over and over and over and over and over and over (have I made my point yet?) and over again in the same sentence or paragraph or even the same page or chapter. Some words are so unique that if I see them more than once in a book, I'm going to notice. One thing I always try to pay attention to when I'm editing—whether I’m editing my book or someone else's—is word usage. Everyone has certain words they use all the time, and once I pinpoint overuse of those words, I try to suggest synonyms for some.

One way or another, my husband and I got on the subject of various words used for laughter. Hubby had some very particular thoughts about what came to mind when he heard each one, so we thought it might be interesting to write down his thoughts vs. the dictionary's definition.

Here's what we ended up with.

Cackle
Hubby's first thought upon reading the word:
A witch's laugh.

Definition from Merriam-Webster:
1: to make the sharp broken noise or cry characteristic of a hen especially after laying
2: to laugh especially in a harsh or sharp manner
3: chatter

Chortle
Hubby's first thought upon reading the word:
Somebody choking and laughing at the same time, where things are coming out of your nose. (Like when you laugh milk out of your nose.)

Definition from Merriam-Webster:
1: to sing or chant exultantly
2: to laugh or chuckle especially in satisfaction or exultation

Titter
Hubby's first thought upon reading the word: To almost fall off of a cliff; right at the edge of falling.

Definition from Merriam-Webster:
to laugh in a nervous, affected, or partly suppressed manner; giggle; snicker

Here are some words that mean "laugh" that I'd never heard of before: cachinnate, boff (boff as a noun means "hearty laughter," whereas boff as a verb means "to have sexual intercourse with", so if for some reason you ever use this to mean laughing, be careful about context ;)), horselaugh.

Every time I think I've found words I use too much, I always end up finding more every time I edit. Do you try to pay attention to your particular "catch words" when you write? Are you still trying to pinpoint yours? I find words so much fun. :D

7 comments:

I looooooove synonyms. When I'm writing, I almost always have Merriam Webster Online Thesaurus open in a tab. And then I do like you did: read the dictionary definition and compare it to my own perceived connotation. :)

Great list there, Laura. And I especially like that you included what they meant to your husband. People in real life laugh or smile a lot, so my thesaurus is my new best friend. :) But you're right about using a word that's too unusual. Best save those for once a book because they stand out too much.